SENATOR BALL URGES GOVERNOR TO APPROVE LAW THAT WOULD REQUIRE ANIMAL ABUSERS TO PAY FOR CARE OF SEIZED ANIMALS

Albany, N.Y. – 7/29/2013 – Senator Greg Ball (R,C,I-Patterson) is urging Governor Cuomo to sign his legislation (S2665A), a law that would require animal abusers to pay for the cost of care for the abused animal that has been seized. The bill passed both the Senate and Assembly this past legislative session and now awaits the Governor’s Signature.

Often in cases of animal cruelty, a law enforcement agent seizes animals. Afterward, housing and care for these animals must be found. Historically, organizations such as shelters, humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals and rescue organizations have assisted law enforcement by providing care for these animals. Such organizations have provided services often with little or no reimbursement.

The financial burden of caring for many animals, often for lengthy periods of time, is forcing some organizations to decline assisting law enforcement, refusing to place seized animals. Where there is no organization to care for seized animals, law enforcement is less likely to conduct seizures and animals remain in abusive situations and conditions.

Senator Ball is asking fellow animal lovers to contact Governor Cuomo at (518) 474-8390 and ask him to sign S2665A into law.

“I would like to thank my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly for supporting this bill to hold those that abuse animals accountable. I am urging Governor Cuomo to sign this into law so we can provide the proper funding for organizations that care for these seized animals,” said Senator Greg Ball. “Persons who commit crimes against animals represent some of the worst kind of people, and often expand their carnage to their neighbors and the larger community.”

“Cruelty to animals cannot be tolerated, and it is up to us to be a voice for these animals,” said Bill Ketzer, senior state director of ASPCA Government Relations for the Northeast region. “Through the guidance of Senator Ball, the New York State Legislature passed S.2665A, identifying the need to address several long-standing deficiencies in the current laws holding abusers accountable both legally and monetarily. The ASPCA thanks Senator Ball for his commitment to this measure to ease the financial burdens of the shelters who provide emergency care for these animals, and we urge Governor Cuomo to sign it into law.”

“Shelters are already very overcrowded and underfunded. Any help they can get to care for these animals is well needed,” said Lisa Giordano, Mahopac resident and Chairwoman of Senator Greg Ball’s Animal Advisory Council. “I salute Senator Ball for working to protect our furry little friends and I urge the Governor to sign this bill into law.”

Select-a-Rescue, a local animal rescue shelter in Mahopac, said they have been rescuing abused dogs and cats for over five years. The animal rescue is often burdened with large veterinarian bills from abused animals.

“We have absorbed over $10,000.00 in one dog alone who had arrived at the shelter emaciated with 2 broken femurs from the beating received by a baseball bat, he has received over 3 orthopedic surgeries and continues to receive aquatic physical therapy,” said Maria Bernhardt of Select-a-Rescue. “This bill will not only help the rescues that save these poor animals, but will also help rescue’s that might not have been able to save these dogs due to the enormous veterinarian bills and surgeries that they will require.”

“Senator Ball has delivered yet again for our most venerable population, our animals,” said Gina Accurso of Guardian Angel Rescue Inc. “It is common sense, if you harm an animal and that animal is seized from your home, you should be required to pay to ensure a shelter can provide the proper care.”

Although New York’s current security posting law is intended to alleviate some of the financial burden on agencies and organizations, it does not always achieve that result. Currently, security posting is discretionary and courts sometimes do not require it, even when the requisite burden of proof has been met. Impounding organizations, currently, must file a petition to obtain a security posting. Often, however, they do not have legal counsel and are unaware that they have the option to seek a security posting.

“By requiring courts to automatically hold a hearing to determine security postings when the state is bringing animal cruelty charges, it will be more likely that impounding organizations will be compensated for their services and will continue to provide places of care for abused animals,” Senator Ball added.

Senator Greg Ball has also recently passed legislation through the senate (S2305A) that, if approved by the Assembly and signed into law by the Governor, would require those that violate Buster’s Law, by abusing an animal, register his or her name and address to a public registry, undergo a psychiatric evaluation and prevent them from owning a pet again.

For more information contact Joe Bachmeier at Joe@ball4ny.com or (845) 531-9796.

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About Greg Ball

Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) is the Senator for New York State's 40th district. A former Vice President of Exceed International Development Corporation, Ball holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the United States Air Force Academy, is currently completing his Masters Thesis of Liberal Studies in International Affairs at Georgetown University, and received an honorable discharge in 2005 at the rank of Captain after service as an active duty officer in the United States Air Force.
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